The latest crackdown brings the total number of distracted driving charges laid to date in Ontario in 2016 to more than 8,800.

Distracted driving laws were introduced in Ontario in 2009. Since then, OPP officers have investigated more than 600 deaths involving an inattentive driver. Beginning last fall, the minimum fine for distracted driving rose to $490 plus three demerit points.

OPP is urging the public to treat distracted drivers the same way they would treat drunk drivers.